Topline
After nearly three months away from the public eye following her abdominal surgery, reports have suggested various possible return dates for Kate Middleton, including a potential appearance with the royal family on Easter or a return after her children go back to school in April, though no appearance has been confirmed yet.
Some reports suggest Kate could make an appearance on Easter. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty ... [+]
Key Facts
Kate could take part in the royal family’s annual walk to church on Easter, the Daily Telegraph reported, citing a palace source who noted her potential appearance is not confirmed.
The Daily Beast reported Kate may be planning a “big bang” return on Easter, citing sources it says are friends of the royal family who claim she may walk with the royals to church and greet members of the public.
Kensington Palace previously said on Jan. 17 when it announced Kate’s admission to the hospital that she would likely return to public duties after Easter, citing medical advice.
Some reports have also suggested Kate may return to public engagements after April 17, when her children go back to school following their holiday break.
William and Kate are also expected to release a picture of their son Louis on his sixth birthday on April 23, as they do every year—which will likely be scrutinized following Kate’s admission that she edited a picture of her family she released on Mother’s Day.
Kate has traditionally taken her children’s birthday pictures herself, though last year she was visible in Louis’ fifth birthday picture, which was taken by another photographer.
Surprising Fact
The Ministry of Defence previously listed Kate as an attendee for the upcoming Trooping the Colour event, set to be held in June, but removed her from the webpage after promoting the event on March 5. The event would have been her first scheduled appearance since her surgery.
Key Background
Kate’s nearly three-month absence from royal duties have sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories about her whereabouts. Her last public appearance was on Christmas at a church service with the royal family. Following a reported abdominal surgery in January, Kate has reportedly been photographed on two occassions, both times in a car with her face blurry or obscured. Video published by TMZ and The Sun over the weekend appeared to show Kate shopping with William at the Windsor Farm Shop, though TMZ expressed some doubt as to its veracity. The Sun quoted onlookers as stating Kate looked “relaxed and healthy.” The reported sightings have done little to quell public speculation, and Kensington Palace has not confirmed or denied the veracity of the video or Kate’s alleged appearance at the farm shop.
Contra
Kensington Palace has maintained in press releases and statements to the media that Kate is doing well. The palace said Kate was making “good progress” upon returning home for recovery on Jan. 29. The palace again said Kate was doing well on Feb. 27 after William pulled out of attending a memorial service for his godfather, citing a “personal matter,” which heightened public scrutiny over whether the matter was related to Kate’s health. Despite previously stating only “significant updates” would be provided regarding Kate’s health, the palace intervened to dismiss one conspiracy theory: It called a claim by Spanish journalist Concha Calleja that Kate was placed in a coma “ludicrous” and “total nonsense.”
Tangent
The U.K.’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, said Wednesday it would investigate a potential breach of Kate’s medical records. The Daily Mirror, citing an unnamed source, had previously reported that a staffer at the London Clinic had attempted to access Kate’s health information. U.K. Health Minister Maria Caulfield said it is “pretty severe and serious stuff to be accessing notes that you don’t have permission to,” adding it would be “very disappointing” if the breach occurred.
Further Reading
Kate Middleton’s Public Disappearance Timeline: U.K. Investigates Alleged Medical Records Breach (Forbes)
Kate Middleton’s 1st Scheduled Appearance Since Surgery Canceled (Forbes)
Kate Middleton’s Medical Records At Center Of Privacy Breach Investigation, U.K. Regulator Says (Forbes)
Princess Kate Video Fuels More Speculation—As Kensington Palace Won’t Confirm If It’s New (Forbes)
